Reflections for Police Officer Thomas Joseph Trench

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 28, 2015

I was a student in Philadelphia when you ended your watch. I will never forget you. You are a hero.

A citizen who never takes for granted the bravery of these heroes.

September 25, 2013

I was working in Radio the night you were taken. I'll never forget it. Rest in Peace, sir. You are a true hero and will always be remembered.

Widow of Phila Police Detective Phila. Police Dept.

May 28, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 27th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections.

Ihad the honor of riding the tour de shore charity event with your name on our arms. You inspired a team of 35 to complete the 65 mile race. You will always be a hero to us and will never be forgotten.

POLICE OFFICER 9TH DISTRICT PHILA PA

August 10, 2011

Carol,
I have thought long and hard about how we were friends in Nazareth. I still remember hearing the news about your dad in homeroom. It seems like yesterday. Your dad was a great dad and officer. I know that from your family. It especially hits me hard since Officer Pawlowski grew up on my street. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Kathi

Kathi Ann Wagner Leinenbach

February 19, 2009

RIP, I'm glad your killer was convicted again yesterday 5-27-08, 1 day before the 23rd anniversary.

Sgt EC USMC

May 28, 2008

Officer Trench, while getting ready for work this morning Channel 6 Action News broadcasted that your killer was convicted for the second time. While it sickened me to see him walking freely during the TV broadcast which was taken from months ago when he was still free, it brought me great relief and satisfaction knowing that he was brought to justice a second time. Your family also expressed great relief and satisfaction at the outcome on TV and please know that we will never, ever forget you. Until we meet again my friend. Rest in peace always.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo Delaware State Police

May 28, 2008

Thankyou for your service and sacrifice, you are a true hero to us all to look up too. The man who did this to you was convicted a 2nd time yesterday, hopefully he will serve his punishment now. You will never be forgotten by us who look at your photo in the roll call room or the citizens who walk past your plaque marking the hollowed ground. Rest in peace brother

POLICE OFFICER 9TH DISTRICT PHILA PA

May 28, 2008

Carol,

I will never forget sitting in homeroom at Nazareth and hearing about the death of your father. I hope now justice will truly be served and your father will rest in peace. After 23 years of sadness and unanwered questions, may your family finally find closure and peace.

Vanessa Skladzien -Maniscalco

May 27, 2008

I've never met you Ofc Trench... I was only a few months old when you were taken from the family who loved you so much. I remember your wife taught my Kindegarten class and now I'm a police dispatcher who often dispatches for the district of which you were killed. My mind always goes back to your wife and what a wonderful person she was and how warm she was to me when I was a child. You're not forgotten. I'll never forget you.

May 9, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

I saw a few months ago that they dedicated a plaque in your honor where you fell so many years ago. It's a crying shame that your killer was never truly brought to justice but he will get the end of divine justice by the hand of God. You were a fine Officer and a wonderful example of a law enforcement officer. I spent a summer working at a local Girl Scout Day Camp with your one daughter Carole Anne. I will never forget how proudly she talked of you and what a great dad you were. She said that you were the finest man she knew, and you know what I can believe that. I will never forget you. To Mary Anne, Annemarie and Carole Anne, know that he was a TRUE HERO and that his courage, bravery, integrity & legend will always live on. God Bless Officer Trench and God Bless his family as well.

CITIZEN N/A

July 19, 2007

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy Union PD, NJ

May 31, 2007

Rest in peace sir and know that you will never be forgotten.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo Delaware State Police

May 28, 2007

His memory shall live in, so long as he's remembered in our hearts. I hope that the family has found comfort in knowing that he's in everlasting glory with our Lord.

J. B. Maberry #5895 Philadelphia Police Department

May 9, 2007

I met your widow and one of your daughters on a trip to Ireland several years ago. They are lovely people and they still miss you every day. They told me your story and I am still bothered by the overturned conviction.

Your spirit however, lives on.

Detective Ellen Roelofs Miami Beach Police

June 14, 2006

Although I didn't know you, I think about you often. I think about how brutally you were taken from your family, and I pray that you watch over your brother officers.

You will not be forgotten.

P/O #5434 Phila PD

May 28, 2006

Tom and I sat next to each other for 16 weeks at the Police Academy We were both sent to South Philly after graduation. He was a extremely decent man who was liked by all who knew him. I visit the Police Memorial in DC every year and pay tribute to him there.He will never be forgotten. His killer to this day goes unpunished. My continued condolences to his family.

P/O Norman Thomas (Ret) Phila.PD(Nam Knights MC Del Val Chapter)

February 8, 2006

Officer Trench cut his vacation with his family short to return home early and help work last out. He was shot in the back of the head while filling out his log. May he rest in peace.

BPT

March 17, 2005

Rest in peace brother Thomas, you are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

May 28, 2004

Tom,
Although I never knew you, you are thought about every day. I had the
unfortunate opportunity to serve a warrant at the residence of your killer
some 16 years later. It does'nt seem fair that he is still a free man;
when your life was taken so many years ago. Even though he was let
go, the fight is not over. He will be once again behind bars where he
belongs.
May God bless and protect your family and hold you in the palm of His
hand.
Brother, may you rest in eternal peace.